Bab Geron or The Clock Tower in Damascus Comes Back to Life

Bab Geron, known as the largest and most important gate of the Umayyad Mosque, has come back to life after many years of closure. This eastern gate, which combines tradition and beauty, was a masterpiece and a time-keeping center in a unique way the world had never seen, a testament to the genius of ancient Damascene engineering. Today, after its reopening, we can once again live a part of of its legendary past.

Overlooking the Al-Nawfara neighborhood and standing beside Al-Qaymariya, Bab Geron has always been a symbol of Damascus’s rich history and architectural brilliance. During the Mamluk era, it was also known as “Bab Al-Labbadin” due to the nearby wool market. Here’s what makes this gate so unique:

• The main gate, although plain, radiates the grandeur and authority of the Umayyad Mosque.
• It’s massive, with two smaller doors on either side.
• Originally made of pine wood and covered in engraved copper.
• Damaged in a fire in 1250 AD and later reinforced with copper during the Mamluk period.
• Each smaller door has six beautifully decorated squares with floral engravings.
• The right door bears the insignia of Sultan Al-Mu’ayyad with the inscription: “Glory to our Sultan Al-Mu’ayyad Abu Al-Nasr Sheikh.”
• The left door carries the insignia of Sheikh Al-Khasaki.

Bab Geron Clock or Bab Al-Sa’at

Bab Geron wasn’t just a gate—it housed one of the most sophisticated clocks of its time, earning it the nickname Bab Al-Sa’at (The Gate of Hours). Built by the renowned Damascene clockmaker Muhammad Ibn Ali Ibn Rustam Al-Khurasani under the rule of Nur al-Din Zangi (1154-1167 AD), this mechanical clock was an engineering marvel that left visitors in awe.

By day:

• 12 Copper Domes: Above the gate, twelve numbered doors represented the hours. Every hour, the corresponding door would open to reveal the time.
• Twin Copper Birds: Perched above the domes, these birds would drop a metal ball into a copper basin every hour, producing a sound that echoed across Damascus.
• Five-Minute Indicator: Below the doors, a ruler-like scale tracked five-minute intervals for ultra-precise timekeeping.
• Astrological Wheel: Above the domes, a zodiac wheel showed the sun’s position throughout the day.

By night:

The system used 12 glowing circular windows, lighting up one by one every hour to keep time visible even in the dark.

A True Damascus Invention

Experts believe this clock was a purely Damascene innovation—not inspired by any foreign model. While similar timepieces were later built in Alexandria and Germany, none matched the complexity and precision of Bab Geron’s clock.

Opening the Door After Years of Closure

After years of closure, Bab Geron has finally reopened, bringing back the lost grandeur of the Umayyad Mosque. As its largest and most iconic gate, it now stands as a living testament to Damascus’s rich history, architectural brilliance, and pioneering scientific achievements.

Why is the Bab Geron Legendary?

It’s not just a door—it’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a symbol of Damascus’s greatness. It was designed to amaze, leaving visitors in awe of the city’s innovation and craftsmanship.

So next time you’re in Damascus, don’t miss the chance to witness Bab Geron in all its glory. Step through its historic archway and let it transport you to a time of genius, grandeur, and timeless beauty.

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